Enjoyment will be the name of the game when Scott Williams returns to the Paddy Power World Darts Championship stage this afternoon (Tuesday).
The Swineshead arrows ace takes on Paolo Nebrida in a first round clash at the Alexandra Palace.
The highlight of the darting calendar usually brings the best out of the 35-year-old who can often be found playing in the Pinchbeck and District League for the Green Dragon pub in his home village.
Scott Williams.
He reached the semi-finals in 2024 and, in what is now his fourth appearance on the sport’s biggest stage, Williams is hoping his exploits can attract newcomers to the rapidly-expanding world of darts.
Williams has even changed his walk-on song this year to appeal to the younger audience with “Golden” by Huntrix & Ejae & Audrey Nuna & Rei Ami, a song from the 2025 animated film KPop Demon Hunters, replacing “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” by My Chemical Romance.
Speaking to Online Darts, he explained: “I’m just enjoying the game at the moment and I want to get people enjoying it as well.
“My Chemical Romance are one of my favourite bands in the world but I’m not sure how many people know their song now whereas 85 or 90 percent of the people in the crowd will probably have watched KPop Demon Hunters with their family at some point.
“I absolutely love the song and maybe it was time to update things and enjoy it a bit more.
“The youngsters who now watch the darts know the song and hopefully I can get them into the sport as well.
“They hear the song and want to watch the darts which I absolutely love.
“The reaction on social media about the change has been so refreshing and positive as well.
“As much as I get portrayed on the television as being a bit of a bad guy, I have so much more to give to this game.
“I want to see it grow and grow and help elevate it as much as possible.”
Williams – who currently ranked 36th in the world – is predicting a tricky test in his opening encounter this afternoon.
His Filipino opponent reached the third round last year where Williams also bowed out after losing to Ricardo Pietreczko.
Williams commented: “I’m feeling good, I’m practising and playing really well and I’m really looking forward to seeing how the Ally Pally’s going to treat me this year.
“I’m in a good place but it will be a tough first game.
“Paolo’s a really tough character who had a couple of good runs in the last few years.
“I’m looking forward to getting back on the stage though and being in front of all the crowd and enjoying myself.”
Williams’ match is the third of four games this afternoon with the opening action getting underway at 12.30pm.
The 33rd staging of the World Championship will feature an expanded 128-player field and also includes a prize fund of £5m – including a £1m prize to the winner.
